Her daughter, 25-year-old Capt. Jennifer Moreno, was killed in action in Afghanistan in October. She was an Army nurse serving with Army Rangers as part of a female liaison team on the battlefield.

Moreno’s three surviving siblings – one of whom is also an active-duty soldier – filed an appeal asking federal officials for leniency so their mother can remain here legally to visit her daughter’s grave at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Critics said Moreno’s combat heroism should not soften the reality of Cordova’s immigration status, especially because of the two drug crimes.

“After conducting a comprehensive review of her case, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has chosen to grant Ms. Cordova-Urieta a one-year stay of removal and release her from ICE custody,” agency spokeswoman Lauren Mack said Wednesday.

Asked if Jennifer Moreno’s death in combat was a factor in the decision, Mack said, “It was a comprehensive review. … Certainly, the humanitarian issues presented by (her family story) were part of that.”

Cordova was released from a downtown San Diego federal facility before noon Wednesday.

She can apply for an extension of the one-year stay of her deportation. While the extension is not automatic, if granted repeatedly it could go on indefinitely, according to her attorney, Danielle Rosche.

Although Rosche initially thought Cordova would be subject to monitoring via an ankle bracelet, an ICE official said no monitoring device was required.

Cordova was convicted of felony transportation of cocaine following a 2012 arrest. The 1992 felony conviction was for drug possession with intent to distribute.

Rosche said Cordova can apply for a work documentation card that would allow her to get a job. It is different from a so-called green card, her attorney said.

Cordova’s children, all in their 20s, said on Tuesday that they planned to support her financially, as they have in recent years. Cordova had jobs as a house cleaner and temporary worker while raising them as a single mother, daughter Jearaldy Moreno said Tuesday.

Her family expressed gratitude for Wednesday’s outcome.

“I’m thankful that there are still people out there who are willing to help and give a second chance. I couldn’t be more grateful,” said Sgt. Ivan Moreno, 27, an Army tank mechanic stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas.

“I want to thank everyone. It means everything to my mom. She just wants to be with my sister and the people she loves, her family. She just wants to go sit next to my sister’s grave and reminisce,” he said.